Young adult programme director jobs in east village, west sussex

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Head of Fundraising to lead and grow our voluntary income. Your focus will span the full range of fundraising activities, from statutory and trust funding to developing and increasing income across major donor giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

This role offers an opportunity to shape how we communicate our value to funders and supporters, build long-term partnerships that reflect our mission, and grow a culture of income awareness across the organisation. It is a fantastic opportunity for an existing Head of Fundraising, or someone who feels ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping the future of our fundraising strategy.

As Head of Fundraising, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to increase philanthropic support and voluntary income. You’ll lead our efforts to diversify and grow income streams – securing support from individuals, corporates, and other partners – with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. You’ll be part of an organisation where you can see the direct effect of your work on the services we deliver to keep children safe.

You will lead and support a small team, bring fresh thinking and strong relationship-building skills, and work closely with project leads to ensure our funding reflects real needs and delivers real impact. You will be able to combine strategic and commercial awareness, with hands-on delivery.

This role will give you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker as well as a practical fundraiser. You will come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

If you’re driven by making a difference – especially, in the field of child protection and want to bring your fundraising leadership to a mission that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll get from us

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days in the office after one month in the position, a NEST pension, 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period), up to 5 days’ learning and development per year, flu jabs, eye tests, charity discounts, an employee assistance programme and the option of Benenden medical cover. We are proud to partner with the Living Wage Foundation and be an accredited employer of choice.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process, we actively remove bias from applications i.e. applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

#fundraising #headoffundraising #charity #funding #partnerships

Starting Salary: £34,629 - £37,868 (pro rata) This is the full-time amount, and the salary will be prorated based on the hours of the post.

Contract: Permanent

Location: Working from home.

The successful candidate must be able to travel widely around the area covered

Hours: Part time 3 days per week (21 hours per week)

Job Profile

CAFOD’s work in the Catholic community of England and Wales is to inspire and resource Catholics to participate in the Church’s mission to overcome poverty and injustice in partnership with CAFOD.

The main purpose of this role is to inspire and increase the participation in CAFOD’s work of Catholic parishes, schools and the broader Catholic community within the Portsmouth Diocese. CPCs are accountable for delivering CAFOD’s annual participation plans locally across England and Wales. As well as growing the number of parishes and schools participating to address global poverty and express solidarity with our global family, we aim to increase the breadth of their engagement, participation.

This will be accomplished partly by the recruitment and support of a team of committed, inspired and well-resourced volunteers working in parish and school communities to enable and equip Catholics to give, act and pray. The work will also involve meeting important church-based stakeholders, advisers and networks within the diocese to build fruitful and positive relationships.

The post reports to the Community Participation Manager for the East Region (The dioceses of Portsmouth, Arundel and Brighton, Southwark, Brentwood, East Anglia, Westminster, Northampton, Nottingham, Hallam, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hexham & Newcastle)

The Community Participation Coordinator (CPC) is part of a regional team working across a group of dioceses and whilst having a primary focus on one diocese, is responsible for the results of the regional team plans in relation parishioner and school participation and volunteer recruitment and retention.

The role will be home based, although the post holder will be mobile and flexible to meet volunteers, clergy and other stakeholders and contribute at events as required.

The role requires a willingness to be adaptable to support the work of the regional team, deploying skills, knowledge and at times activity in other parts of the regional team area. This is likely to require some additional travel (which would be reimbursed by CAFOD). The post also requires weekend and evening work for which time off in lieu (toil) can be claimed.

Key Responsibilities

Delivering participation plans

• Share accountability for delivery of annual participation plans for the region (a group of dioceses) with a primary focus on one diocese, and for fundraising, education, campaigns, and other targets, as delineated by the participation plan for the region. It is usually anticipated that the role will have an 80% focus on parish communities and a 20% focus on school communities
• Contribute to the development and delivery of a regional plan across a number of dioceses in support of the annual participation plans and appropriate for local contexts
• Achieve targets for increasing parishioner and children & young people participation primarily through recruitment and retention of volunteers and working with clergy, religious, diocesan and parish advisers and administrators etc.
• Monitor and share information around community participation and recruitment, activity, development and retention of volunteers
• Closely monitor parish participation activity

Managing volunteers

• Be the local volunteer manager in a specific diocese or dioceses
• Hold the relationship with, and coordinate the work of, a number of volunteers in order to achieve the annual participation plan in the region
• Contribute to increasing the number and activity of parish and school volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators in line with the regional team plan
• Contribute to development of volunteering opportunities and volunteer leadership
• Match the offers, skills, experiences and expectations of volunteers with opportunities and needs in relation to CAFOD’s plans for parishioners and children & young people
• Ensure each volunteer is appropriately inducted, briefed, trained and resourced
• Increase and ensure volunteer retention through induction, support, affirmation and effective management of the volunteer throughout their involvement with CAFOD
• Organize and promote volunteer meetings and training opportunities to be delivered either by national programme teams or self or members of her/his regional team
• Ensure volunteer records are accurate and up to date on the database.

Managing relationships

• Build and maintain key relationships including with priests, advisers, school staff and others within a diocese as determined in the regional plan. Be point of contact with the local Bishop.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with diocesan communications officers and press and be a point of contact for local broadcast and print media, to increase opportunities for Catholics to hear about CAFOD’s work, working with and through media volunteers where possible.

All staff are expected:

• To attend and contribute to regular Team, Group and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings
• To participate in training and other activities as requested by the line manager
• To work as a supportive member of the team, providing cover for and training of other team members and volunteers as required
• To be accountable for the achievement of objectives set by the line manager

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves responsibility for people who will have contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. The post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

Person Specification

Understanding our context

• A Understanding Catholic identity: detailed and sympathetic knowledge of the life, culture and structure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and an ability to work effectively within it; especially an understanding of parish community life
• B Understanding CAFOD: understand, demonstrate and actively support CAFOD’s vision, mission and values and what we aim to achieve.
• C Understanding international development: have an understanding of the nature and causes of world poverty and how it affects different individuals, groups and communities

Working together

• D Managing ourselves:  Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to develop personal relationships quickly and to inspire and convince others.  Ability to be self-motivated and able to work in isolation at times.
• E Working with others: builds positive and fruitful partnerships particularly with volunteers; works effectively as part of a regional team to ensure sharing of good practice and shared workload; being willing and able to help other team members and be helped to achieve delivery of a regional team plan 
• F Communicating: can communicate strongly CAFOD’s vision for community participation and volunteer partnership; share knowledge and information across CAFOD
• G Looking outwards: Collaborates with partners, supporters and donors to achieve the best balance between their objectives and CAFOD’s Mission

Making change happen

• H Managing resources: confident with analysing and using data for planning, monitoring and reporting:  Proven planning, time-management and organisational skills
• I Achieving results: Ability and willingness to focus on achieving results, especially for the delivery of shared regional plans for community participation and income growth
• J Managing our performance:  Ability and willingness to work to targets and achieve results
• K Taking the lead: Motivates others to get things done

Job-specific competencies

• A demonstrable commitment to volunteering and understanding of its potential as a force for change
• Experience of managing multiple stakeholders and relationships to successfully achieve objectives eg with clergy, stakeholders and a wide variety of volunteers.
• Experience of managing volunteers including recruitment, retention, deployment and celebration.

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

At Esteem any young person can belong and make a positive difference, no matter what challenges they face

Young people aged 14-26 can realise their strength to cope with life’s challenges and thrive into their futures

Our community is grounded in trust and respect, and built with young people for young people

Our work leads to highly positive outcomes for wellbeing, confidence, skills development and active citizenship. Over 88% of young people who attend Esteem feel more confident to meet people, leave the house, and get involved in their local community

Taking an asset-based approach to working with young adults, we are focused on people’s strengths and avoid othering people by labelling. We build from strengths and actively facilitate independence and initiative, aiming for young adults to work jointly with staff and our volunteers to create and embed progress in their lives. We offer the time they need to trust and experience being trusted, to learn, build resilience and to grow.

As Chief Officer you'll lead with dynamic, inspiring, and truly participatory leadership, nurturing Esteem's unique ethos and facilitating young adults and staff as co-creators in the organisation's mission and future, while upholding the strategic and governance frameworks set by the board of trustees.

The incoming Chief Officer will be joining Esteem at a pivotal time of consolidation and potential growth, with opportunities and challenges that require both visionary and pragmatic leadership. 

Esteem is a special organisation and we need a special individual to help us take it forward into the future. The role requires a deep respect for youth agency and a commitment to enabling young people as leaders within Esteem.

Position: Chief Officer

Accountable to: Chair of Trustees

Location: Esteem, Old School House, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex - with some options for flexible/hybrid working

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), core hours of 10am–6pm (30-37.5 hours per week negociable)

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum - Depending on experience

Annual leave and benefits:

• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays and Christmas close down)

• Occupational Sick Pay (325 hours in rolling 12-month) following probation

• Company pension scheme 

• Healthcare cash plan - from day one

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - from day one

How to apply: Visit our jobs board to view the Recruitment Pack

Closing date: 9am Friday 15th August 2025

Responsibilities:

Lead with purpose and a strengths-based approach

Make things work day-to-day

Steward our resources and risk

Connect our community, inside and out

Safeguard Esteem’s integrity

Shape the future together

Champion good governance

Board Collaboration

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience:

1. Proven leadership experience within a participatory, values-driven organisation. (A, I)

2. Demonstrated success in building and maintaining high-quality strategic relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners, including high-net-worth individuals. (A, I)

3. Experience of working within a safeguarding framework, with a thorough understanding of best practices and legislative requirements as part of a contextual safeguarding approach. (A)

4. Experience leading or managing a multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers. (A)

Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, combined with strategic thinking (A, I, E).

2. Ability to lead collaboratively, enabling young adults and staff to exercise agency and co-create solutions and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mission. (A, I)

3. Knowledge of organisational governance and collaborative strategic planning in a small-to-medium-sized organisation. (A, I)

4. Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and foster an intentional environment which promotes a work-life balance. (A)

5. Skilled in managing transitions and change, ensuring stability while fostering collective agility, innovation and growth. (A)

6. Strong financial management and analytical skills, understands the income & expenditures statement, balance sheet, forecasting and cashflow (A, I, E).

Values and Leadership Style:

1. A fundamental commitment to Esteem’s values and participatory approach. (A, I) 

2. A strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to promoting an organisational culture of trust, respect and belonging. (A, I)

3. A foundational understanding of the importance of wellbeing for all in the organisation.

  (A, I)

1. Open to feedback and reflective practice, with a strong commitment to personal and organisational learning. (A)

2. A collaborative and facilitative leadership style that builds consensus and nurtures relationships across the organisation.(A, I)

Desirable

1. Familiarity with a range of program delivery methods, digital engagement strategies and online platforms that promote inclusion and remove barriers to participation for young adults, and foster community building and organisational strengthening. (A)

2. Knowledge of diverse impact measurement and evaluation methodologies, particularly relevant to young adult development programs.(A)

3. Advanced facilitation skills for engaging diverse groups, including young adults, in co-creative processes and discussions.(A, E)

4. Experience in writing successful grant applications and developing compelling funding proposals. (A)

5. Experience of challenges faced by young people and underrepresented groups is highly valued (A,I)

GDWG has an exciting full-time opportunity to join our team working within the casework team, with responsibility for leading our IRC welfare surgeries, volunteer training programme and educational outreach work.

We require blended working from home and from our office in Crawley with Thursday in the office and one other day a week to be agreed. This is a one-year fixed term contract. The role requires an all-rounder who is comfortable giving calm support to people in crisis, can demonstrate a high level of organisational skills in a fast-paced work environment and a passion for educating the public on the issue of immigration detention. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Managing a caseload of clients in detention
• Coordinating Detention Centre drop-ins
• Supporting on research projects
• Leading on educational outreach
• Leading on training IRC-related staff
• Supporting Advocacy and Support Volunteers
• Coordinating volunteer training
• Volunteer coordination

Skills and experience required:

Essential

• Attention to detail
• Empathy with GDWG’s values and mission and with the issues facing refugees, people seeking asylum, and those in or with experience of detention
• Ability and willingness to learn and develop in the role
• Initiative, problem-solving, and resourcefulness
• Reliability
• Ability to build strong working relationships with external contacts and volunteers
• Natural empathy and ability to build trust with those we support in detention
• Non-judgmental attitude and ability to work with clients with unconditional positive regard
• Ability to maintain effective professional boundaries with those we support
• Teamwork and self-reliance: ability to work well with others and also use initiative
• Effective time management and ability to juggle and prioritise competing demands on their time
• Understanding of issues faced by migrants with an unstable immigration status
• Experience using databases
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience receiving and sending emails

Preferred

• Lived experience of detention/the asylum system or experience of work with refugees, migrants, criminal justice, or human rights
• Experience of work/volunteering in the voluntary sector
• Good understanding of mental health and complex needs
• Experience of safeguarding people with vulnerabilities

Equal Opportunities

GDWG is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that isinclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and valuesthe diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including those with lived experience of detention and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged. We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people and guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application demonstrates the essential requirements of the role.